MARRIAGE mirrors the covenant between God and His people.
Husbands are like Jesus while their wives represent the church, Christ’s bride.
Ephesians 5:1-2 reads: “Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.”
If a husband wants to fulfil his obligations, he needs to study Jesus’ conduct and live according to His word.
A husband’s first responsibility is to walk in unconditional love, known as agape. This kind of love is spiritual and can only be imparted by God into a person that received Christ as lord and saviour.
The unconverted man has no agape and is unable to love in this manner.
Agape does not operate on the 50/50 principle. It allows a husband or wife to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of their spouse. This kind of love drove Jesus to sacrifice His life to redeem humanity.
Marriage requires sacrifice. A husband has to be prepared to put his wife’s interests ahead of his own.
Ephesians 5:25-27 reads: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.”
There are several types of love, but only agape can preserve a marriage. That is why the Bible instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loves His church.
